Flu and covid vaccinations
We place orders for our ‘flu vaccine at the end of each ‘flu season for the following year. However, at the end of August we (along with many other G.P. practices) were advised that our order could not be fulfilled.
We have therefore found an alternative supplier, but it does mean that the delivery of the vaccinations will be slightly later this year, and our main flu and covid clinic will be held on Saturday 24th October at the surgery. Alternative evening clinics will be available.
NHS England does not permit practices to give these vaccinations prior to 1st October, but we hope that we may be able to vaccinate more vulnerable patients earlier than the 24th and will contact these patients individually.
Booking links have already been sent to those patients for whom we have a mobile phone number or email address although some links have been returned as ‘undeliverable’ so please remember to update us if your mobile phone number or email address change.
As we have committed to the purchase of several hundred flu vaccinations and will similarly need to order covid vaccinations when they become available, we would strongly encourage you to come to the surgery for both your jabs – to avoid wastage and to have your vaccinations on premises that have full access to your medical record.
Blood Tests at Salisbury Hospital
Most blood tests are carried out at the surgery, but occasionally patients go to Salisbury Hospital for these. The hospital is now changing the way it provides G.P. requested blood tests through their Pathology Department. Patients must now book an appointment online and patients will also be able to use the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Salisbury City Centre, i.e. there will no longer be a walk-in service for G.P. requested blood tests.
Outpatients, holders of a ‘pink’ request form, those with a Blood Passport and inpatients of the hospital do not need to book.
The hospital advises that the online booking system will:
reduce waiting times
enable patients to choose a date, time, and location that suits
provide a better patient experience If you wish to share feedback, contact sft.pals@nhs.net
Further information including booking procedure can be found at: https://www.salisbury.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/blood-tests
Dr. Adam Smith